WSC Shanghai 2026 Opens In Spectacular Style

SHANGHAI, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- The opening ceremony of the 48th WorldSkills Competition (WSC) Shanghai 2026 kicked off in spectacular fashion tonight at the Shanghai World Expo Cultural Center, mesmerising thousands of spectators with a vibrant celebration of culture and innovation.  

The grand event began with a lively pre-ceremony segment at 7.15 pm, where the audience was entertained with energetic musical performances promoting the host metropolis of Shanghai, as spectators waved illuminated glowing props provided at their respective seats.  

The visual spectacle escalated as dynamic dance routines and an impressive flag dance filled the stage, followed by a local artist delivering a soulful vocal performance accompanied by a troupe of young child dancers.

The official proceedings commenced with a compelling video montage highlighting Shanghai as a global crossroads gathering young skilled talents from around the globe, before welcoming the arrival of Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and WSC leaders.

A moment of immense pride swept through the arena during the Parade of Nations, including the Malaysian contingent, comprising 22 young competitors competing in 21 skill categories along side three Team Leaders (TL) marched into the venue representing the nation on the world stage.  

Dressed in striking traditional Malay attire, the male delegates wore red songket woven with intricate gold thread, while the female delegates exuded elegance in long kebayas adorned with traditional dokoh brooches, drawing warm applause from the audience.

Following the presentation of all participating delegations, the national anthem of China resounded through the arena, paving the way for a series of artistic and educational performances showcasing Shanghai's rich history, cultural depth and modern achievements.

The ceremonial segment reached its peak as the official WSC flag was solemnly hoisted accompanied by the playing of the WSC anthem. 

Premier Li Qiang subsequently declared the WSC Shanghai 2026 officially open, setting the stage for four days of intense skills competition scheduled to take place at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) from Sept 23 to Sept 26.

Meanwhile, WorldSkills International president Francis Hourant said the world now stand at the edge of a new industrial revolution, which is the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

“The smarter machines become, the more we must be creative, resilient and brave because the world's most pressing challenges of our time will be solved by skilled hands, by people who can build the solutions, imagine the possibilities, and shape the future.

“Those are the skilled people the world needs. This is what drives us, tonight we show the world what's possible when skills take their rightful place on centre stage,” he said during his speech.

WSC Shanghai 2026 gathers 1,400 top young professionals from over 65 countries and regions representing 64 disciplines.

-- BERNAMA